Japanese maple trees have been cultured intensively for
over 300 years, producing hundreds of cultivars that add exotic looks to
residential landscapes all over the world. One glance at its leaves explains
why one of the Japanese words describing this tree means "babyís hands." The
tree in front of the Forman Center on our East Campus is an unusually large
specimen and may be as old as the building itself, which was built circa
1870 as the George W. Chapin mansion. Beginning in 1885 the building
served as the superintendentís residence of the Rhode Island State Home and
School, and in 1994 it was renovated by the College to become the Sylvan R.
Forman Center. As the home of the Collegeís admissions office, this is the
spot where the majority of aspiring RIC students first plant the seed for an
individual growth experience in higher education.